Because Prescribed Management Rules in the STMA (Sectional titles Schemes Management Act 8 of 2011) provide that an owner is responsible to maintain and if necessary, replace a geyser, the reality is that most schemes have provided for geyser replacements at least, in their policies. These are usually subject to limits and excesses, but this then by default, would involve the management of geysers within the context of geyser claims and policy management.
There are distinct disadvantages to using multiple plumbers are simply leaving it to the owner to attend to.
Some Disadvantages of using multiple plumbers:
- Unknown contractors, perhaps not qualified and non-compliant in terms of OHS and other legislation are on site working on or in common areas.
- No control on pricing – owners faced with invoices way more than that which the insurer will pay.
- Risk of such contractors not having their own liability or contractors all risk insurance cover – damage to common areas, sections or third-party property such as nearby vehicles.
- Poor accounting – simple handwritten or excel invoices – open to fraud
- Not being VAT registered – higher cost to insurer – no input on Value Added Tax claimable.
- No quality control and once off means no continuity with overall state of common area ducts etc.
- Incorrect tools and equipment – higher risk of faulty work and higher risk of accidents and injury – working at heights.
The Advantages of 0861WaterLite managing the geysers in a scheme:
- Honesty factor – fewer unnecessary replacements
- Responsibility of geyser areas – ducts only accessed by one company
- Familiarity of plumbing, shut offs and procedures.
- No middlemen – Factory to Installation
- No Warranty issues – product fitted by manufacturer
- Works with Insurer Call centres – some extra perks and managed by insurer
- Waterlite recognised by insurers – claims can be paperless
- Fast turnaround – teams in Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN
- Proper geyser work reporting
- Proper administration and accounting – VAT registered and on insurer panels
- Experienced teams / experts in their field – fit and proper advice on site
- Teams experienced at working at heights with proper hoisting equipment
- Teams properly tooled and stocked – e.g. tools such as crimping tools
- Waterlite understand community schemes and related insurance needs
- Installations are quality controlled and compliant
It is our view that any body corporate should be looking at a reputable plumbing services group who are industry accredited to manage and oversee the hot water maintenance and replacements. Such company should work together with the scheme’s trustees and broker to ensure that the most appropriate policy and geyser solutions dovetail.
0861Waterlite provides that exact service and removes the risks.